Jonathan Kuminga Rejects Warriors' Latest Contract Offer, Explores Sign-And-Trades With Kings, Suns

[RealGM Wiretap]

Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga rejected the Golden State Warriors' latest contract proposal and continues exploring sign-and-trade opportunities, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Kuminga told ESPN after a Thursday morning workout in Miami that he found nothing appealing in the Warriors' recent offers. The stalemate has kept Golden State's other offseason business on hold as they remain the only NBA team not to sign or trade for a player this summer.

Agent Aaron Turner has spent July searching for sign-and-trade opportunities, with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings showing the most tangible interest. Both teams remain on the fringe of discussions while attempting to engage the Warriors on potential packages.

Golden State wants a promising young player and a first-round pick in any Kuminga sign-and-trade deal. The Warriors also refuse to take on what they consider bad salary, creating complications for potential suitors.

Beyond contract demands, Kuminga is searching for a more guaranteed, consistent starting role and featured opportunity than he has with the Warriors. The Suns and Kings have pitched him on expanded roles in their respective systems.

Kuminga was entirely out of the rotation in the first round against Houston but scored 18, 30, 23 and 26 points in the final four playoff games against Minnesota after Stephen Curry's injury. The contrasting playoff experiences have shaped his current mindset about his role.

Kuminga has until October 1 to accept Golden State's standing one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. Accepting would give him an expiring deal with an inherent no-trade clause, providing maximum long-term career control.

Coach Steve Kerr has been among the leading voices trying to repair the relationship, telling Kuminga he would be a significant part of the rotation next season. The Warriors need his supplementary scoring when Curry, 37, or Jimmy Butler, 35, rest.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

[hyberx]

Part of the problem was Kerr, who couldn't figure out a way to use an elite slasher like Kuminga, even with Curry's outside shooting.

[kenwood3333]

Forcing the way out is the right thing to do. Kuminga just not a good fit on the team.

[Wildcat]

Part of the problem was Kerr, who couldn't figure out a way to use an elite slasher like Kuminga, even with Curry's outside shooting.

I feel like the call came from higher ups to trash his value to get a better deal done.

[Econgrad]

Outside of Curry, Thompson and Green, what young players has Kerr successfully developed. The franchise has screwed up so many high picks. 3 lotto picks in 2020-21 and all three have flamed out.

[rtiff68]

While Kuminga is immensely talented, there is a reason why the Warriors haven’t secured his services long term (when has the Lacob ownership cheaped out since they bought the team in 2011)?

He’s a powerful slashing iso scorer, but that is literally it. He’s a tunnel-visioned ball stopper on offense without a reliable jumper, and despite his crazy physical gifts, he has poor defensive instincts.

He’s a bigger Corey Maggette, and his market (lack thereof) reflects that.

[NoStatsGuy]

didnt they put him in the doghouse almost half season? now they want a promising young player and a frp? wow thats bold

[bgrep14]

Kuminga to Sacremento makes sense. Could send Derozan to GSW.

[jerseyballer66]

This is becoming a trend in the current financial situation of the NBA.
Have 3 old players on Max (stupid) salaries and fill out the rest of the roster with vets or rookie scale talent.
When the rook becomes eligible for a new contract the team can't/won't pay so lose their future.

[hyberx]

If he signs the one-year qualifying offer, it will be lose-lose for everybody. He will risk his health on a small one year contract while not getting the minutes to showcase his talent. Ws will get a player who is only playing out that year then be gone, basically screwing up the last competing chance for Curry/Butler/Green.

[dubbmotta]

If he signs the one-year qualifying offer, it will be lose-lose for everybody. He will risk his health on a small one year contract while not getting the minutes to showcase his talent. Ws will get a player who is only playing out that year then be gone, basically screwing up the last competing chance for Curry/Butler/Green.

They'll trade him before he signs the QO. Better to get something then nothing. I''m sure they'll get a first rounder for him. Warriors do a good job drafting players who do not need developing, they should focus on that.

[uconn83]

teams working together to help each other really seems to be the unwritten rule in the NBA. Was not like this a decade ago.

[LAKESHOW]

Well give him a looksee. If he passes well pick him up next year

[Twinkie defense]

Kuminga doesn't want to play winning basketball - defending, rebounding, passing, playing within a team concept. Getting the damn ball to Steph Curry! Instead he wants to showcase himself. He wants to iso and dunk. Give him the ball and get out of the way. Best place for him is a losing team where he can make a lot of money, get a lot of playing time, and put up empty stats.

[Sactown4Life]

Just can't get his and develop his full potential playing 20 mins behind Jimmy. Carter + throw in a late 1st and see if GS likes that.

[Pickled Prunes]

While Kuminga is immensely talented, there is a reason why the Warriors haven’t secured his services long term (when has the Lacob ownership cheaped out since they bought the team in 2011)?

He’s a powerful slashing iso scorer, but that is literally it. He’s a tunnel-visioned ball stopper on offense without a reliable jumper, and despite his crazy physical gifts, he has poor defensive instincts.

He’s a bigger Corey Maggette, and his market (lack thereof) reflects that.

Ooh, I kind of like the Maggette comp, but would take Maggette all day. He'd shoot you out of a lot of games, but he was definitely more fun to watch. He also got to the line a whole lot more. The thing about Maggette is that he thought he was Kobe, and Kobe thought he was MJ. I get the sense that Kuminga has no idea who he is.

[LuvDubsHawks]

Dubs should trade Kuminga straight up for Cam Thomas. Solves the base compensation issue for sign and trades for the Dubs and allows them both fresh starts. Cam can provide points Dubs need, he's not OLD and can fit in Kerr's motion offense. Would do well next to Milton with Milton's D.